Rashad Wells

Rashad Wells, a 43-year-old African American man, was found shot dead on February 13, 2021, in the Gresham neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Officers responded to a call of shots fired around 8:10 p.m. in the 7600 block of South Loomis Boulevard. Upon arrival, they discovered Wells on the ground with a gunshot wound to his face. He was immediately transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The Cook County medical examiner's office later ruled his death a homicide.

The investigation into Rashad Wells' death revealed that he was involved in an armed robbery at Marquita’s Hair Studio located at 132 West 69th Street in Chicago. During the robbery, Wells brandished a firearm and threatened the patrons inside the salon. Among the patrons was off-duty Cook County Correctional Officer Dionne Griggs, who was there with her daughter. Officer Griggs noticed Wells and another man acting suspiciously outside the salon before the robbery occurred. When Wells entered the salon, he cocked a silver gun and announced the robbery, demanding valuables from the patrons.

Officer Griggs, who had her service weapon in her purse, ran into the bathroom and locked the door to prevent Wells from entering. Wells attempted to gain entry into the bathroom and demanded that Officer Griggs open the door. When she refused, Wells kicked open the door and pointed the gun at her. Officer Griggs announced her office and ordered Wells to relinquish his weapon. When Wells did not comply, Officer Griggs fired at him three times, hitting him once in the mid-left side. Wells fled the salon and ran several hundred feet west on 69th Street to a nearby alley, where he collapsed. He was found lying on his stomach at the mouth of the alley and was transported to Stroger Hospital by ambulance, where he was pronounced deceased.

The Chicago Police Department, the Cook County Sheriff's Office Use of Force Review Unit, and the Office of Professional Review conducted a thorough investigation into Wells' death. They interviewed numerous civilian and law enforcement witnesses, reviewed OEMC transmissions, footage from POD cameras, CTA and private surveillance cameras, photographs of the scene, police reports, medical records, and the results of forensic examinations. The investigation concluded that Wells' death was caused by a single gunshot wound inflicted by Officer Griggs in self-defense during the armed robbery.

No arrests were made in connection with Wells' death, as the investigation determined that Officer Griggs acted in self-defense. The case was reviewed by the Office of the Cook County State’s Attorney, which found no basis for filing criminal charges against Officer Griggs. The incident highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers, even when off-duty, and the split-second decisions they must make in life-threatening situations.